Liu Song, courtesy name Ziya, was from Guangling in Yangzhou and a descendant of the Guangling King Xu of the Han Dynasty. Their family had been a prestigious lineage for generations. The four surnames of Lei, Jiang, Gu, and Lu from the same county were all descendants of the Liu family, and it was said at the time, "Among Lei, Jiang, Gu, and Lu, Liu is the most esteemed ancestor." His father, Liu Guan, had served as the governor of Pingyang. Liu Song was able to discern right from wrong from a young age and was highly praised by people of his time. He was recommended for the title of filial and upright, and later recommended as a scholar, but he did not accept either. Later, Emperor Wen summoned him to the chancellery as a clerk and sent him to Shu to handle affairs. At that time, Shu had just been pacified, and the people were starving, and the land was barren. Liu Song submitted a memorial to request that the court allocate funds for relief, and without waiting for the court's response, he took action on his own, which ultimately led to his dismissal.
After Emperor Wu ascended the throne, he appointed Liu Song as a minister responsible for legal affairs, handling wrongful convictions and cases. He eventually rose to the position of Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat. During the Xian Ning period, the court issued an edict appointing Liu Song and the official Bai Bao to inspect Jingzhou and Yangzhou. Due to his effective management, he was promoted to the position of Yellow Gate Official. He was later promoted to Councilor and acted as the Minister of Justice. At that time, the Minister of Justice, Shi Hu Yin, was wrongfully imprisoned, and the court sent Liu Song to investigate. Liu Song found that Hu Yin was innocent, which resulted in Hu Yin's release, and people compared Liu Song to Zhang Shizhi. He served as Minister of Justice for six years, earning a reputation for his meticulous and fair handling of cases. After the fall of Wu, various generals competed for credit, and the court tasked Liu Song with verifying the contributions, eventually determining that Wang Hun had the greatest merit, followed by Wang Jun. The emperor believed Liu Song had not upheld the law in this matter and demoted him to the governorship of Jingzhao, but Liu Song did not take the position and was later reassigned as governor of Henan.
Before leaving, he made many suggestions to the court, many of which were accepted. There were many water mills belonging to families of princesses in Hanoi County, which obstructed the river flow and led to flooding. Liu Song requested the removal of these water mills, which provided relief for the people. Soon after, his mother passed away, and he resigned from office to return home for mourning. After the mourning period, he was appointed as the governor of Huainan. His governance was marked by notable achievements, and he was strict and just in his position. Previously, when building Shaobi, tens of thousands of people were mobilized every year, and the wealthy landlords consolidated land, causing unemployment for the poor. Liu Song brought officials together to allocate land based on merit, and the people praised him for his fairness and kindness.
While serving in Huainan, Liu Song wrote to the court:
When I was an official in Hanoi, before leaving, the emperor gave me a decree: "What you said is important. Whether it's big or small, you should report it one by one. I am always very busy, so I may not have time to reply to everything. Do not doubt." On the day I received the decree, I was both happy and anxious. I resolved to give my all, putting aside my humble status, and hoped to shine for the court like a firefly. After taking office, I drafted a memorial with the following content, which I have not had the opportunity to submit. Unfortunately, my family suffered a major tragedy, and I fell ill for several years. Now that I have organized the previous matters, I now submit them to Your Majesty.
Although my abilities fall short for governing, my words are shallow, and I often make mistakes, I sincerely hope Your Majesty will show mercy and not dismiss my memorial lightly. If there are some contents worth adopting, I hope they can contribute a little to the country. The imperial edict issued by the emperor has ushered in a new era, intending to continue this system for hundreds of years, appointing royal relatives as regional princes. This is not an act of defiance on my part, but out of public interest.
Our country's political system has only recently been fully established, surpassing the political models of the Qin, Han, and Wei dynasties, while inheriting the fine traditions of the Five Emperors and Three Sovereigns. The blessings are spread throughout the world, and its glory is passed down to future generations, and this prosperous scene would likely make even the ancient Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors feel inferior! Why do I say this? Because their conquest was achieved by conforming to the right timing and favorable conditions, while ours is a situation that has been reestablished after an interruption; the significance is entirely different.
However, I believe it's somewhat inappropriate to appoint young princes to govern the regions of Wu and Shu. The people of the Wu and Yue regions tend to be somewhat frivolous, and the Shu region has high mountains and dangerous roads, which makes these areas prone to rebellion and unrest. Furthermore, since the pacification of the Wu kingdom, the soldiers from the six southeastern provinces have been stationed south of the Yangtze River, which poses a significant hidden risk. With the imperial army inside and local armies outside, the people in Wu are likely feeling insecure, so a strong prince is needed now to reassure them and bring stability both internally and externally. Moreover, the Sun family was once a powerful vassal ruling a region, with civil and military officials being on par with the court, but they were suddenly eradicated, no different from common folk. They do not understand that they have been granted a second chance by the court; instead, they feel discontent due to disasters and oppression, thinking they have lost their land and feeling unsettled. Now, sending an adult prince to be their king, granting official positions based on their abilities, arranging positions for civil and military officials, allowing soldiers to stay in their hometowns, and allowing those seeking wealth and prosperity to find opportunities at home. As a result, the imperial army can withdraw, the newly appointed vassal states can be secured, and both sides can benefit; this is the most appropriate solution.
Therefore, we should select princes over the age of twenty from the royal family with exceptional abilities and appoint them as the Kings of Wu and Shu, respectively. This way, we can take into account both distant and nearby areas, and divide the fiefs more finely, making them more extensive than before. We can reassign the previous fiefs, first granting titles to the younger princes, and once they reach adulthood, formally enfeoff them as kings; this would not be too late at all. The top priority is to swiftly establish order in Wu and Shu, allowing the adult princes to govern, as this matter is urgent. Regarding the feudal system I proposed, the general direction has already been established, but there are still some details to address. If there are any valuable suggestions, they can be incorporated into the system, so I have listed these points.
I have heard that those who are not afraid of danger and regret, and are willing to offer their opinions, are loyal subjects; those who are willing to heed unpalatable advice and are open to criticism are wise rulers. I have encountered this fortunate era and am lucky to meet such an open-minded emperor as yourself. Although I have previously submitted memorials discussing state systems extensively, I have not fully expressed my thoughts or directly pointed out gains and losses; I have merely enjoyed your grace, just like any ordinary person. I feel deeply ashamed, thinking that I have not fulfilled my duties as a loyal minister, nor have I been able to repay your kindness properly. Therefore, I dare to list my thoughts as follows. Of course, I cannot guarantee that my words are absolutely correct, but I believe that expressing my heartfelt thoughts is the best way to repay you. If my suggestions are taken into account, it would be the greatest honor of my life; if my words are misguided, that would still be a blessing for the country. I hope Your Majesty can take half a day to read my memorial.
I have heard that wise rulers of old always chose suitable ministers to employ, rather than dismissing them for their backgrounds. Now that Your Majesty is wise and enlightened, although I am dull, I am still willing to serve the country as loyally as a dog or horse to repay your kindness.
The key to governing a country lies in ensuring the people's peace. To ensure the people's peace, we must reduce their burdens, reduce taxes, reduce punishments, and ensure their livelihood. Currently, the heavy taxes and harsh punishments have left the people struggling to survive, leading to chaos. I believe that reducing the burdens, reducing taxes, reducing punishments, and ensuring livelihood are essential for pacifying the people and governing the country. I have heard that the rise and fall of a nation hinge on the people's sentiments. If the people's sentiments are unsettled, the country is in danger. I sincerely hope Your Majesty will heed my words, soothe the people's sentiments, and ensure the stability of the nation.
Your Majesty, although you are the one chosen by heaven, ascending the throne like a dragon soaring through the sky and the monarch who established this dynasty, the era you are in is, in fact, one of decline. Why do I say this? In the late years of the Han Dynasty, the state experienced a gradual decline, with eunuchs in power, rogues in power, gentlemen being ostracized, political corruption, and the people's sentiments scattered, ultimately leading to the country's demise. Emperor Wu of Wei, with outstanding talent, pacified rebellions, rectified governance, and promoted cultural education. After decades of efforts, by the early years of the Yankang era, officials were honest, the people obedient, and laws and regulations began to be widely implemented. During the reigns of Emperor Wen of Wei and Emperor Ming of Wei, their extravagance and indulgence contributed to the country's decline. However, while they reveled in the luxuries and pleasures of the palace, they were able to resist heroes and enemies from all directions, succeed in major matters, with few mistakes; how could that be? In reality, their achievements were built on the foundations laid by previous dynasties. However, laws, institutions, governance, and punishments have gradually deteriorated. Since the beginning of Jiaping, when the Jin Dynasty was established, until the end of Xianxi, many years have gone by. Although there were many instances of punishment and executions to eradicate evil, those who survived were beneficiaries of that time and had not broken the law. In the beginning of Taishi, Your Majesty ascended the throne, and the vehicles and objects you used were descendants of the meritorious officials of the previous dynasty, either their children or grandchildren. As the ancients put it, "the sons of the wealthy and noble are difficult to educate," so you are indeed contending with a declining era. At this time, the realm is undergoing reforms, and rules are being rectified. However, Your Majesty, you are still able to appoint talents according to the actual situation and relax laws and regulations; this approach is justified, having been built up during peacetime, which differs from the practices of the Han and Wei emperors. The rise of the third dynasty and the change of dynasty cannot abruptly impose strict restrictions on the subjects; this aligns with the current circumstances. However, in governing the country and correcting the world's trends, we should gradually move towards the right track, with just laws, firm and decisive authority, gradually becoming more solemn and dignified.
It's like sailing a ship. Although you can't navigate the rapids, slowly moving towards the goal will still allow you to reach the destination in the end. Small achievements accumulate, gradually showing results; only now can we discuss political achievements. However, since the beginning of the Tai era, nearly thirty years have passed, and your political achievements have not yet reached Your Majesty's lofty ideals, nor have various undertakings exceeded those of previous dynasties. With Your Majesty's wise and holy intentions, you have not been able to get rid of the pitfalls of a declining age. To sustain the prosperity established at the nation's founding and pass it on to future generations is indeed concerning. I fear my words may have overstepped, Your Majesty.
We must consider the long-term development of the state. In fact, there are only two paths. When the realm is stable, it is hard to unsettle; once shaken, it is difficult to recover. Therefore, those who wish to secure a good legacy for future generations must manage current affairs well. Only when political affairs are stable can future generations benefit. If you can take care of the vassals and make them the country's barrier, the foundation will be secure, allowing the realm to endure through the ages, comparable to the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties.
However, if you only focus on the present, your political achievements and influence will not be passed on to future generations. Even if relatives inherit the throne, the national system remains flawed, and future generations can only rely on their own intelligence and wisdom to maintain the country. If they cannot do it, even after a long time, responsibility will ultimately fall back on you. What then shall be done? I sincerely hope, Your Majesty, that you can excel in current affairs, establishing a stable and unassailable position, so that the realm will be free of concerns.
Wise rulers are not a given in every generation, and descendants are not necessarily all virtuous; this is a natural fact. Therefore, effective rulers rely on objective circumstances rather than on personal qualities. Relying on circumstances refers to the feudal system, whereas relying on individuals refers to the commandery and county systems. The commandery and county system manages minor issues carefully but can easily cause instability in the bigger picture; although the feudal system may have more instances of local disobedience, in the long run, it stabilizes the foundation of the state. Ancient wise kings knew how to weigh the pros and cons, tolerating some minor defiance for the sake of long-term stability, thereby consolidating both internal and external security and maintaining peace in the world. King Wu was a wise monarch, and King Cheng was a virtuous heir, but King Wu did not abandon the establishment of feudal lords simply because King Cheng was wise; he considered the long-term strategy. Moreover, when talking about current issues, you can always find parallels in ancient history. Before the time of Tang Yao and Yu Shun, historical records were patchy, making it hard to look into events in detail. By the time of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, they all advocated for moral governance, promoted relatives with merit, established five ranks of nobility, allowing clans to create nations and families that served as a shield for the state, protecting the royal family and continuing the dynasty's rule, with some lasting five to six hundred years, and others even nearly a thousand years. By the time of the Qin dynasty, the feudal lords were abolished, and commanderies and counties were established. The emperor's descendants received no land and were left isolated and helpless, leading to the downfall of the second emperor. The Han dynasty inherited the experiences of the Zhou and Qin dynasties, adopting a compromise approach, with both preceding and succeeding dynasties lasting over two hundred years each. A close look at the feudal system shows that, despite its varying strengths and flaws, its rise and fall are always related to the dereliction of duty by relatives of the same surname. When the power of the feudal lords was weak, the state was stable, not when it was strong. During Empress Lü's rule, the country was stabilized thanks to the help of Qi and Dai. During the Rebellion of the Seven States, King Liang fought hard to resist and ultimately quelled the rebellion. After that, imperial power grew stronger, and the feudal lords could only survive on rents and taxes, with some being restricted to traveling only by ox cart. This allowed Wang Mang to usurp the Han dynasty, carrying out his conspiracy, causing chaos and suffering for the people. After Emperor Guangwu established the Eastern Han, although he also rewarded his descendants, he did not establish a complete feudal system, so the rule of the Han dynasty was not long-lasting. The Wei dynasty took over from the Han but locked up relatives and confined their descendants, resulting in the quick downfall of the Wei dynasty, and the Mandate of Heaven shifted to your Majesty.
The rise and fall, the signs of calamity and fortune, can all be seen from here. Besides, although the Wei Dynasty is nominally a legitimate dynasty, with the emperor claiming the title in the south, the world is divided into three parts, and the legitimate authority does not cover the entire country. In fact, it is still a situation of mutual hegemony similar to the Warring States period. The rise of the Great Jin Dynasty, Emperor Xuan pacified the Yan region, Emperor Taizu pacified the Shu region, and Your Majesty pacified the Wu Kingdom; one could say that the achievements are unparalleled. The territory is even broader than in the Three Kings period; everywhere that chariots and horses can reach, or where people can tread, is now under Your Majesty's rule. The four seas are unified, starting from today. We should capitalize on this great achievement during Your Majesty's wise reign, expand the territory, let the same surname relatives become feudal kings, establish a long-lasting stability, and ensure the dynasty continues for eternity and endures forever.
I have heard that if a country employs wise ministers, it can be stable, but if it relies heavily on great ministers, it will be chaotic. In our country's system, the king appoints the crown prince as the eldest legitimate son, not the eldest son, and appoints the eldest son as the crown prince, not the most capable son; these are difficult truths to change. Wise and talented people are few, while unworthy people are many; this is a natural order. All things seek each other, respond to each other; this is also a natural law. Therefore, when a foolish monarch rules, the court becomes dominated by powerful ministers; when a wise monarch governs, wise ministers will be appointed. Both appointed and powerful ministers wield significant power in the country and can make crucial decisions. However, their results are completely different, and their actions often contradict each other—why is that? Powerful ministers use their power to establish personal gain, while appointed ministers use their positions to serve the public. Public service is the cornerstone of governance, while personal ambition sows the seeds of chaos.
Let's put it this way: the days of peace and prosperity are becoming fewer and fewer, while the days of turmoil are increasing. Political education is in gradual decline, and it is impossible for any country to remain free from danger. And it doesn't stop there. Even if a foolish heir inherits the legacy left by his ancestors and receives capable assistance, if the foundation of the country is not deep and there is no strong backing, then those so-called loyal ministers will turn into powerful officials. Why? Because if the country shows signs of collapse, those in power will be met with suspicion, everyone will doubt and find it hard to trust, and it's not typical for people to willingly face death. If the foundation of the country is solid and the barriers strong, even if a young monarch is established, people won't be afraid. Those so-called powerful ministers will now wholeheartedly become loyal officials. Why? Because with a stable national situation, people won't harbor suspicions, loyalty can be expressed, and there will be no worry about evil.
A wise ruler knows that virtuous people won't be around forever, so he establishes a system of checks and balances to manage his ministers. "Once the five ranks are in place, ministers won't show loyalty or negligence; they all exhaust their efforts to serve their superiors." Once the ministers are established, regardless of their wisdom or foolishness, they follow the laws and act as if there are no worries. As long as the country's foundation is solid, appointed ministers—though not the most capable—can still maintain stability if they're reasonably competent. Why? Because with a stable situation, it is easier to manage.
Let's say this: as long as the development of the country is reasonable, there is nothing that cannot be achieved. Look at the Zhou Dynasty, starting with Kings Cheng and Kang, then King Xuan, and finally King Nan. Over so many years, although there were no particularly famous ministers in the court, the ancestral temple has always been maintained, and this has been supported by the feudal lords. Therefore, when thinking about the country, the best approach is to focus on solid development. The evil and the righteous, those who go against common sense and those who follow it, all reflect the will of the people, and everyone will comply.
The reforms set to be implemented must be carefully assessed to ensure that the feudal lords act with integrity, stand united against common foes, and work together in order to safeguard the security of the country. If they harbor evil intentions and entertain wicked thoughts, fighting alone without allies, the benefits they receive will not be enough to support their actions. However, this is no easy task, and Your Majesty should consult with those who understand the past and present and are adept at analyzing situations.
The essence of nation-building is to make the feudal lords love their country and the ministers honor their court, so that blessings can be passed down through generations. Only when there is unity from top to bottom, patriotism should feel like family, and the people are treated like children, can the blessings granted by heaven be preserved, and the royal family be collectively supported. The lands currently being granted to the feudal lords are similar to those in ancient times, but they undervalue their own titles, and the ministers are ashamed of their positions. Why is that? Because there's no comprehensive feudal system as there once was.
The reforms that are now being carried out should follow the old system and be similar to the ancient regulations. People are accustomed to certain systems, and within ten years, they will not change their habits, likes, or desires. In my humble opinion, a robust system needs to be put in place without delay. If there is hesitation and delay in meeting expectations, it will take another ten years before both rulers and subjects can settle into their positions, honor their identities, and mutually support each other, forming a strong vassal state. Continuing on the current path will only deplete the country's wealth, waste food and resources, and offer no real advantage in strengthening the nation or safeguarding the court.
In the era of the feudal system, each vassal state had its own territory. Later, even the descendants of the emperor might find themselves without any land. This approach is completely unfeasible today. If land is allocated based on familial ties, continuously dissolving certain vassal states while favoring others, this would merely reflect a county-level management approach, not a system of feudal states. Land should be strategically planned in advance to ensure that relatives can reside relatively close to one another within ten generations. After ten generations, the suburban land will eventually be fully allocated, and the balance of kinship relationships will naturally emerge, avoiding the overcrowding of the previous ten generations. Even with this arrangement, the amount of land held by relatives will gradually increase, and it may take hundreds or even thousands of years before all the land is allocated. Beginning the land division now while mismanaging kinship relationships is highly inappropriate. A comprehensive assessment of the nation's total land area should be conducted first; land should be redistributed and allocated to the imperial family and relatives, properly organizing kinship relationships to ensure long-term stability.
In the past, feudal vassal states were no larger than a hundred miles in circumference at most. A larger population is essential for a state's strength to be robust enough to meet its various needs. Now, a vassal state has a circumference of nearly a thousand miles, yet its national strength is actually weak, insufficient to support the state's system. Times have changed, so policies should be formulated based on the actual situation. The administrative bodies of each vassal state should be streamlined, while the size of the army should be expanded. All the systems prescribed in ancient texts should be established, but those that are less urgent can be gradually improved, rather than being implemented all at once. First, vehicles, weapons, and tools must be fully prepared before ministers can don their splendid attire; only when the granaries are sufficiently stocked can palaces be built; only when the common people enjoy a prosperous life can official offices be set up; only when the territory is prosperous and strong can rites and music be developed. The ancestral shrines and the state must be prioritized for establishment. As for domestic affairs, the appointment of officials, except for the Grand Historian and the Prime Minister, who are appointed by the emperor, other positions, including life and death judgments, tax collection, rewards and punishments, do not need the emperor's approval; the vassals can decide on their own.
The two points I raised are crucial to addressing the issue, and other matters not mentioned can also be handled with reference to these two points. Currently, the vassal states are roughly the size of a former prefecture; if official offices are established based on the old system, the number of officials will be large, and many matters will be unnecessary, which will instead weaken national strength. Rewards and punishments are tools for maintaining authority; if power is not centralized, it cannot intimidate the masses, and thus cannot maintain control. Thus, I believe that vassals should have adequate power, the state apparatus should be streamlined, the army should be strong, but the ultimate goal must still be to adapt to the current actual situation.
During the Zhou Dynasty, the feudal vassals had states that could last for a long time; some endured for a thousand years, while others lasted for several hundred years. Human nature does not vary significantly, whether ancient or modern, but the longevity of a nation varies greatly. What accounts for this? It is due to differences in nation-building concepts and systems.
The Zhou dynasty implemented the system of enfeoffment, where the status of the state took precedence over that of the monarch, and the status of dukes and marquises was subordinate to the state. Therefore, even a tyrannical monarch could be killed or exiled. The Zhou dynasty valued inheritance and the continuation of the family line, so the continuity of vassal states could be ensured. The fate of those killed or exiled monarchs served as a warning to other vassals; descendants must inherit the throne to avert the fall of the state. The vassals feared punishment and thus complied with the laws, preventing the country from falling and allowing the emperor to govern peacefully. This is the reason why the Zhou dynasty flourished.
The Han dynasty established vassal kingdoms, where the status of the monarch and the state were nearly equivalent. Therefore, when a vassal king made a mistake, they would be killed, resulting in the collapse of the state. The Han dynasty did not value inheritance and the continuation of the family line, resulting in unstable vassal states. Without stable vassal states, the emperor would find it difficult to maintain authority and could be easily manipulated by treacherous officials, leading to the collapse of the empire. We must learn from the mistakes of the Han dynasty and restore the old system of the Zhou dynasty. Even if a vassal king is killed for misconduct without a son to inherit the throne, any collateral descendant, regardless of proximity, should inherit the throne. If there are no collateral descendants, the throne should remain vacant until a prince is born to inherit it, thus preventing the downfall of the vassal state. Ban Gu once said, "The loss of a vassal state is like a net breaking," so there should now be more lenient oversight of the vassals.
Moreover, the system of vassal states has undergone prosperity and decline, with the fundamental framework already in place. These systems should be conveyed to the vassals, recorded duly on jade tablets, stored in golden boxes, kept in ancestral temples, and archived in government offices. Even weaker states would find it hard to perish, let alone the more powerful vassal states! Having these stable vassal states support the court would ensure long-term stability, like deep roots and lush foliage, sturdy as a mountain.
I am but a humble servant and hope Your Majesty can place the world in a stable situation, thus freeing us from any concerns. Currently, Yanlu County has neither distinguished scholars nor capable officials. What is the reason for this? It is because critiques of officials lack seriousness, people do not pay attention to moral cultivation, and only seek to please their superiors; hence, there are no distinguished scholars. Lower-level officials are not focused on their duties, there is no evaluation system, and officials do not exert their full efforts; therefore, there are no capable officials. The absence of capable officials leads to resentment towards the government; without distinguished scholars, the younger generation will lack role models. Therefore, I am considering establishing an official assessment system and rectifying the social atmosphere.
It is human nature to desire wealth and disdain poverty. A wise monarch understands human nature and recognizes that this desire is inescapable. Therefore, they cleverly guide people to pursue wealth and nobility in a way that those who seek wealth must first endure poverty. Those who are content with poverty tend to avoid arrogance, and by steering clear of arrogance, they can remain honest and self-disciplined; those who are content with poverty will inevitably be frugal and restrained, and only through frugality and restraint can integrity be maintained. By managing affairs this way, one can achieve fairness and selflessness. Those who are fair and selfless will ultimately attain wealth and nobility. For those who are selfless ultimately gain private benefits, so public and private interests are interconnected.
Currently, those who desire wealth can obtain it without experiencing poverty; those who desire nobility can obtain it without experiencing humility. The paths of public and private interests have diverged, and human nature cannot be completely selfless. Private benefits cannot be obtained through fair means, so people always violate justice and pursue private interests. Consequently, moral standards are deteriorating, justice is gradually being replaced, and people's wealth and nobility are not obtained through legitimate means. Governing the country in this manner makes it challenging to achieve success in both major and minor matters. However, this negative atmosphere has existed for a long time and cannot be changed overnight. Furthermore, the current social atmosphere is extravagant, the pursuit of pleasure is prevalent, and officials are confused and behave similarly, which makes it challenging to rectify the situation even with demotions and punishments.
Moreover, education cannot be pursued to perfection; the best approach is to curb bad practices. Even in a society where extravagance is rampant, there are still relatively good officials. Let those who are addicted to pleasure give up their illustrious wealth and glory; let them stay in inconspicuous places. Let those who practice self-discipline and serve the public receive the reward of frugality; let them be placed above the honest officials. Let each kind of person receive their due. However, the culture of extravagance is not something that can be eradicated overnight, so I privately consider starting with gradual changes first.
There are too many things in the world, and the ruler's energy is limited, much like the sun cannot shine on everything. Therefore, a wise ruler only focuses on the key issues, delegates tasks to subordinates, and does not have to worry about everything.
Once the division of labor is clear, the ruler does not need to intervene. This isn't due to a fear of exhaustion, but because it is more in line with the way of governing, and also out of necessity. Why? Because it is very difficult to determine right from wrong and evaluate people's abilities in the initial planning and decision-making. However, it is much easier to judge success or failure by the outcomes. It is easy to assess the result, but difficult to make the initial decision, so the ruler tends to take the easier route, ensuring stability; if officials do not take on difficult tasks, the country will be in chaos. Now, Your Majesty always focuses on the beginning of things and neglects the results, so when officials carry out their tasks, their concerns about success or failure diminish. They focus more on appearances to avoid immediate punishment. This explains the poor governance.
If the monarch can always focus on the key issues and delegate tasks to subordinates, then the merits and demerits of officials will be reflected in the success or failure of the task, and there will be no way to evade rewards or punishments. In this way, faults cannot be concealed, and merits cannot be slandered. When merits are not slandered, capable individuals will strive harder; when faults can't be concealed, officials will take their responsibilities more seriously. This is the overarching strategy for governing a nation.
I personally believe that Your Majesty is wise and truly wants to do well, fearing that government matters may go awry, which is why you place great importance on starting things right, trying to avoid mistakes. Moreover, because there aren't enough competent officials, Your Majesty is reluctant to entrust matters to them, preferring to bear the burden personally. I think that to get good results, we need to focus on the outcomes. Why? Because the beginning of matters is hard to measure. Furthermore, since many officials are incompetent, it is even more necessary to assign tasks to them, letting capable people succeed while showing up those who can't cut it. When failures are revealed, they can be dismissed; if successful, they can continue to be entrusted with important responsibilities. In this way, capable individuals can hold key positions and do well, while the incompetent won't just sit around doing nothing, thus harming government matters. If this continues, more competent officials will come along, and in a few years, suitable talents can be found in various departments. Evaluating talent and assessing political performance is the most crucial matter in governing the country.
Currently, the monarch does not delegate tasks to subordinates but participates in the beginning of matters alongside them, making it difficult to distinguish between merits and faults. Subordinates are not focused on their work and do not stay in their positions for long, so it's tough to see what they're capable of. How to verify this? Not everyone out there is going to be a star, and not everyone is going to be a flop. However, now, when you want to promote someone loyal and capable, it is unclear whom to reward; when you want to punish a failure, it is also unclear whom to punish. Those who get fired often think they've done something wrong, rather than acknowledging their lack of ability; those who are promoted think it is due to their accumulated experience and public praise, rather than their own merit. If that's not true, then the current government isn't living up to your expectations, which is the proof.
Your Majesty has been using the current method of governing for nearly thirty years, but the achievements have not been outstanding. Where is the problem? As the ancients said, "When the strings of a musical instrument are out of tune, it is serious and must be corrected." What I am saying reflects common principles of governance, but the past and present are different, and the situations encountered are also different. Even if Your Majesty cannot completely delegate tasks to subordinates, most tasks should be entrusted to them. The matters that need to be reported to Your Majesty can have the less urgent matters set aside, and the important ones done well, so that work can be done more efficiently.
In the past, there were six ministers in charge of different affairs, with the Prime Minister as the leader, akin to the current role. After the Qin and Han dynasties, it became nine departments, with the Chancellor as the highest leader. Now, the Ministry of State is responsible for decision-making, with other departments responsible for implementation, which grants them greater power than their ancient counterparts. Some issues are not particularly complex, yet they remain unnecessarily complicated today. Some tasks can be handed over to other departments to manage, with the Ministry of State overseeing these departments, similar to the Chancellor. However, the formulation of laws, capital punishment, exile, the dismissal of officials, and financial matters must still be managed by the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Other officials are responsible for their own areas, and at the end of each year, the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of State will evaluate their performance. This is the origin of the nine ministers system, with clear division of labor, the Ministry of State responsible for overall planning, clear rewards and punishments, which is definitely better than the previous system.
The current problem is that the people responsible for specific implementation have to wait for approval from their superiors for every decision. If mistakes are made above, the people below cannot take responsibility. Throughout the year, there are no significant achievements in their work, and it is unclear who is to blame. The supervisory department operates under the law to investigate and address illegal activities; the judicial department investigates to uncover the truth; the officials responsible for enforcing the law adhere strictly to the law. In general, the goal is the same, but in specific operations, differences still exist among the supervisory, judicial, and enforcement departments. The judicial department focuses solely on the facts, the enforcement department adheres strictly to the provisions, and the supervisory department often emphasizes minor issues. Why is that? Because people are prone to making small mistakes and minor faults, and if everyone is punished according to the law, then there would be no perfect individuals in the court, which is called "attempting to govern but inadvertently creating chaos."
Governing a country should be like weaving a net, focusing on key issues, with a looser weave. By grasping the key issues, governance can be more effective; with larger mesh openings, minor problems can be overlooked. A broader scope of governance means that it will not be overly harsh, and this is the key to governing a country. However, since modern times, those who serve as inspectors often fail to grasp the larger direction, preferring to focus on trivial mistakes. These minor mistakes won't threaten the political landscape, but focusing on them can actually make things worse; while failing to grasp the larger direction allows local tyrants to run rampant, leading the common people to lose their trust. This reflects a misalignment of priorities. Now, officials should change their previous governing methods to ensure everyone benefits from proper governance. Achieving this is not difficult; as long as the ruler is not obsessed with trivial cases and insists that officials report cases involving abuse of power and serious crimes to fulfill their duties, the corrupt who threaten governance will be dealt with. Those who commit serious crimes and disrupt social order often come from wealthy families, and these wealthy and powerful individuals have significant influence and financial resources, which makes officials hesitant to take action against them. Subordinate officials, fearing that their superiors will not investigate, turn a blind eye to corruption and get caught up in minor offenses, resulting in a barrage of complaints. On the surface, it appears that they are dutifully fulfilling their responsibilities, but in reality, they've ignored legal principles, creating hidden dangers. This does more harm than good for governance and undermines public trust. The ancients said: "A gentleman's mistakes are like a solar eclipse; they quickly fade." They also said: "Mistakes can be corrected" and "One should not make the same mistake twice." These sayings indicate that even virtuous gentlemen can make mistakes. As long as these mistakes do not threaten the political situation, they can be overlooked; only those with extremely serious crimes will face severe punishment under the law. This is the key principle for addressing crimes based on their severity.
A gentleman's mistakes are like a solar eclipse. They also said: "To make mistakes is human" and "No one is immune to mistakes." These words indicate that even wise and virtuous individuals are bound to make mistakes. If these mistakes do not endanger the state, then they should be overlooked like a net that lets small faults slip through; only those crimes that are extremely serious and pose a great threat will receive severe punishment. This is the guiding principle for assessing the severity and urgency of addressing offenses.
Therefore, those of noble character will receive full recognition for their good deeds; while those who commit wrongs must be punished as a warning to others. This is the standard for rewarding and punishing in governance. Why is this so? Because even those wise and virtuous individuals are not completely free from faults. If they are punished by law for minor faults, it would be a waste in this good era.
Why is that so? Because even though the severity of faults varies greatly, in the eyes of scholars and gentlemen, the blame may differ but the crime remains the same. This allows those who do not follow the rules to use this as an excuse, confusing the public, disrupting order in the name of minor faults to cover up major ones, thus harming public opinion. Any exposure of mistakes and impeachment of illegal actions is to rectify the atmosphere and regulate social education. However, blowing minor faults out of proportion now harms public opinion.
Therefore, the sages have a deep understanding of human nature and the principles of governance. They say, "One should not let minor faults overshadow their great merits." They also say, "Forgive minor faults and promote virtuous talents." They further say, "One should not expect perfection from a person." That is why the emperor's crown has hanging pearls in front and his earplugs are filled with cotton, indicating that the consequences of good and evil should focus on the main faults to ensure simplicity and thoroughness; serious crimes must face strict punishment for laws and regulations to be enforced effectively.
Why? Serious crimes are what truly harm the law, yet minor offenses are pursued with meticulous attention. This is like putting a rhinoceros and a leopard in the spotlight, but prohibiting a mouse in the corner from stealing. The ancients said, "When axes and hoes are not needed, but knives and saws wear out daily, governance cannot succeed." This means that major issues should be handled calmly, while minor issues should not be rushed. Most of the current government errors have this problem. Your Majesty should reconsider to find solutions.
As the saying goes, the power structure cannot remain rigid and unchanged. Unreasonable political strategies hinder long-term stability. This shows that the strategies of offense and defense are different. Although the common people may lack education, they don’t want to waste their lives and will definitely seize the opportunity to resist. As long as the timing is right, their wishes cannot be stopped. As circumstances change, so must the response. Wise rulers can react quickly, seize the opportunity before things get out of control, and respond to public opinion.
In the past, Cao Cao divided the territory, allowing the common people to serve in different regions. Although it was a temporary measure due to the circumstances at the time, and Cao Cao had his own ideas and expedient measures to complete the task, it was not an established system. However, this system has persisted unchanged for many years. Despite their suffering, the common people have no complaints because the world has not yet been completely unified, and everyone knows that it is not yet a time of peace and stability. Thus, while they serve, they feel at home and face dangers with calmness.
After pacifying the Wu Kingdom, peace returned to the realm, but in the southeastern region, the troops from six provinces were stationed south of the Yangtze River or responsible for transporting goods to the capital. Some had fathers in the south and mothers in the north, with families torn apart, causing everyone to be restless. Moreover, they were unfamiliar with the local geography, and the transportation labor was grueling, with a risk of death; this situation couldn’t be sustained for long. Therefore, this issue needs to be addressed properly to meet the people's expectations. The labor system that Cao Cao established should also be reformed. If both situations are addressed, the common people would be immensely grateful and overjoyed, which would be a significant improvement over the current situation.
From the time of Dong Zhuo's rebellion to now, nearly a hundred years have passed, and the people have suffered greatly, enduring much hardship. The realm has finally been unified today, and the common people long for peace, which is not just a pipe dream. However, the circumstances of the past and present differ, and the problems encountered are also not the same; we can't just copy past methods and expect everything to settle. But if those serving in the military do not have to leave their hometowns and the troops can remain on standby locally, that would be the ideal solution. Even if it cannot be fully achieved, if we make the effort, we could stabilize two-thirds of the population, and officials would not need to travel so far. If these can be accomplished, the well-being of the common people would be invaluable.
There are many administrative matters, and many issues have not been resolved, making it hard to go through them all in detail. In general, the key points boil down to three main issues.
To achieve political stability, reducing forced labor is necessary. The key to reducing forced labor lies in governing through non-interference. To ensure the granaries are full, it is important to promote agricultural development, which requires stabilizing prices to ensure food security. If these goals are achieved, the country will experience stability. The ruler's primary concern should be to harness the wealth that nature provides, with agriculture being a key aspect of this wealth. Therefore, the foundation of a nation lies in promoting agriculture. While some actions may appear beneficial, they can actually be harmful; however, there are certain necessary tasks that cannot be avoided. It's crucial to weigh the importance of each task and make informed decisions. Finding this balance is challenging, and only truly intelligent and capable individuals can take on this responsibility.
The merit of entrepreneurship lies in establishing systems that benefit future generations and bring stability. This kind of stability can be achieved even by incompetent rulers or foolish people. The merit of saving the world lies in effective governance and maintaining national stability. As for decorating government offices and various duties, it often goes beyond the limits, but there is no need to be concerned about neglecting it, as Your Majesty will not need to worry about these things in the future; they will naturally be taken care of. As for inheriting the customs of the previous dynasty, relying on the movement of the sun, moon, and stars, the key is to inherit good customs and unite the people, and the remaining influence can uplift the weak. These matters don't need to be pushed too hard right now to avoid harming what can be relied upon. Which of these two matters is more pressing and important, Your Majesty should consider carefully and choose wisely, then the great principles will be clear. Ah, now everyone is comparing you to Emperor Xiaowen in private; I believe this is misguided. The virtues of a wise ruler are primarily evaluated by future generations; it is still too early to say now. Why do I say this? Your remarkable ascent to the throne and the founding of the nation speaks for itself. Pacifying the state of Wu, conquering the southern seas, these are all your achievements. As the Emperor, you are able to practice frugality, which is admired by the common people; this virtue surpasses that of all previous emperors, and there is no need to say more. Your words and actions are exemplary; there's nothing to fault. If you can effectively manage the current political affairs well, strengthen the borders, and ensure the long-term stability of the Jin Dynasty, future generations will admire your achievements and carefully weigh your merits and demerits; then your achievements will be on par with those of King Tang and King Wu; what does Emperor Xiaowen amount to? I’m not just flattering you; this is the truth! If there are areas where you feel you haven't fully perfected consolidating the country, then perhaps the historical records of your achievements won't fully showcase your greatness, which would be a pity! However, it's crucial to involve those knowledgeable in politics in your decision-making; in time, there will surely be positive outcomes. I hope Your Majesty will take my suggestion into consideration.
Next, he talked about corporal punishment; the details can be found in the "Record of Laws." The emperor's reply was as follows: "The feudal state system you proposed should be implemented according to ancient texts; regarding the appointment and responsibilities of the soldiers in the six provinces, I've noted your suggestions, and it's clear you genuinely care about the country. Keep me updated on any developments."
At the beginning of the Yuankang era, he followed Prince Huainan Yun to the capital. During the execution of Yang Jun, he was on duty in the Tunwei Palace. That night, the emperor issued an edict appointing him as the Minister of the Three Excellencies. He also submitted a memorial on legal matters, which everyone appreciated. Eventually, he was promoted to Minister of Personnel and established the Nine Ranks system to keep officials in line, work diligently, and evaluate rewards and punishments based on their abilities. Unfortunately, with Empress Jia and Empress Guo in power, officials focused solely on promotion and wealth, so this system never took off.
When Prince Zhao Lun wanted to kill Zhang Hua, Wang Ji cried out in heartbreak. When he heard that Zhang Hua's son had escaped, Wang Ji exclaimed happily, "Maoxian (Zhang Hua's style name), your son has some potential!" Zhang Lin, a supporter of Wang Lun, heard this and became furious but was wary of Wang Ji's integrity and didn’t dare to act recklessly.
Sun Xiu and others praised Wang Lun's merits, saying that he should be granted the Nine Treasures (ancient emperors' gifts to meritorious subjects), and no court officials dared to oppose. Only Wang Ji stood up and said, "In the past, the Han Dynasty granted the Nine Treasures to the Wei Kingdom, and the Wei Kingdom granted the Nine Treasures to the Jin Kingdom. Those were special circumstances at the time and should not become a common practice. Now that the ancestral temple is stable, although the favored concubine was deposed and powerful ministers have been killed, when Zhou Bo killed the Lu clan princes and supported Emperor Xiao Wen, and Huo Guang deposed the King of Changyi and supported Emperor Xiao Xuan, there were no precedents for granting the Nine Treasures. Changing the old rules and regulations at will contradicts the rules set by our ancestors. In my opinion, the granting of the Nine Treasures should not be implemented." Zhang Lin was already furious with Wang Ji, thinking that he was in league with Zhang Hua and wanted to harm him. Sun Xiu said, "Killing Zhang Hua and Pei Xie has already damaged the reputation of the court; we cannot kill Wang Ji as well." Zhang Lin eventually backed down.
Later, Wang Ji was appointed as the Grand Master of Ceremonies, and he could ride a horse when traveling. He soon fell ill and died. The court sent envoys to offer condolences, rewarded him with two hundred thousand coins and a set of court attire, and posthumously granted him the title of "Zheng." The Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat, Liu Shen, believed that Wang Ji was young at the time and should be posthumously appointed as a Cabinet Minister (a high-ranking official), but Sun Xiu, who had always disliked Wang Ji, disagreed. Wang Ji had no children, and his brother Wang He's son, Wang Yong, had died early. So Wang Ji adopted Wang Xuan, the son of Wang Xu, the brother of Wang Yong, and passed his title on to him. In the first year of the Yongkang era, the court issued an imperial edict, posthumously conferring upon Wang Ji the title of Marquis of Liangzou County for his role in quelling the rebellion during Jia Mi's execution, with a fief of fifteen hundred households.
Wang Ji's younger brother Wang Biao, styled Zhongya, participated in military campaigns against Eastern Wu and captured Zhang Ti. He later rose to the rank of General of Crossbows. When a fire broke out in the armory, Wang Biao devised a method to control the blaze, preserving many precious artifacts. He also served as the Governor of Jingzhou. Wang Ji's other brother, Wang Zhong, styled Shihun, served as a Yellow Gate Attendant and the Prefect of Xingyang, but he passed away before he could be promoted.
At first, Song intended to marry his daughter to Chen Jiao from Linhuai. Chen Jiao was originally from the Liu family and was closely related to the Song family, but he was adopted by his aunt and changed his surname to Chen. Liu You, an official Zhongzheng (equivalent to an assessment officer at the time), came forward to criticize this situation. Song said, "The descendants of Emperor Shun, the Yao and Yu families, as well as the Chen and Tian families, originally shared the same ancestry, and for generations they have intermarried without any prohibition in the rites and laws. Now my situation with Chen Jiao is quite similar; what's wrong with the marriage?" Liu You was about to report this to higher authorities when he was stopped by Chen Qian, which is why Song was not impeached.
Later, Song asked the officials in charge of the law, Chen Mo and Cai Ji, "Who is most wronged here?" Both replied, "Liu You is most wronged." Upon hearing this, Song's expression changed, and he scolded them. Cai Ji said, "Liu You has privately discussed matters and offended you, which is indeed wrong. However, the people in the village feel he is quite wronged." Later, Liu You was promoted, became an official in the provincial government, then served as a Minister of State, and finally became the Inspector of Huangsha.
Li Chong, styled Maozeng, was from Zhongwu in Jiangxia. His father, Li Jing, had served as the Inspector of Qinzhou and was conferred the title of Duke of Duting. From a young age, Li Chong loved to study and was very talented. He lost his father when he was very young and lived with his brothers, maintaining a deep brotherly bond and gaining a reputation for his kindness. By the age of twenty, he was appointed as a local Zhongzheng official, but he graciously declined the position. Later, he became a literary official for the Prince of Shiping and submitted a memorial to the throne, suggesting reforms to the Nine Ranks System.
He said: "In ancient times, emperors would formulate systems and adjust them according to the changes of the times. The principle of reform lies in adapting to the needs of the times. The Nine Ranks System originated during a time of war, and it is fundamentally a management system within the military, not a viable long-term strategy for governing the country! Moreover, its examinations and assessments are excessively detailed, and the execution of punishments is inaccurate, causing both the court and the populace to view it as corrupting morals and having significant drawbacks. Although some wish to reform it, they hesitate. I believe that in order to reform the system, the interests and stakes need to be clearly articulated, so that it can be smoothly implemented. Achieving a smooth and effective system is no easy feat. In ancient times, feudal lords governed local areas, with a system for land distribution, and each state had a fixed ruler. The common people had no divided loyalties, noble families inherited their titles, officials had no thoughts of promotion, and subjects did not overstep boundaries in their interactions. The relationships between upper and lower classes were stable, and social customs were simple. The Qin Dynasty overthrew this system, abolishing the feudal lords and establishing commanderies, which resulted in a deterioration of cultural values. The Han Dynasty improved upon the shortcomings of the Qin Dynasty by referencing the practices of the Zhou and Qin Dynasties, while also establishing both feudal lords and commanderies, creating a system for land distribution and ensuring that local officials must be selected from capable individuals, relying on local evaluations to promote talent. This way, it aligns with the examples set by sages and emulates the systems of the Three Dynasties. Now, the Emperor's virtuous rule is flourishing, with blessings extending throughout the seas, and the common people are thriving, witnessing a time of peace and prosperity. However, the Wei Dynasty's shortcomings have created a talent pool that is scattered and displaced, with officials having no fixed positions and common people without stable residences. Officials gather in military camps, and the powerful congregate in the capital, making matters complex and very different from ancient times. I believe that if the Nine Ranks System is to be abolished, people should first be allowed to migrate, enabling them to live in closer proximity. Additionally, the imperial examination system should be clearly defined to prevent individuals from outside the region from exploiting the system, thus naturally balancing the ranks of officials and resolving the issue of land consolidation. It is also essential to establish certain official posts to facilitate the simplification and longevity of governance. Fewer ranks will foster stability among the populace; when issues are managed over the long term, policies can be smoothly implemented, and results will emerge. This is the reason why the Three Dynasties were able to maintain long-term peace and stability. I believe that establishing a nine-rank standard for talent selection is of utmost importance today and should be implemented immediately. A wise ruler understands the difficulties of governing the realm and always starts with easier tasks, so they register hidden talents, ensuring that every household is accounted for under official oversight. If the appointed talents are unsuitable and matters are not handled properly, even the wisest monarch would struggle to manage. Thus, it is evident that if these two matters are addressed, people will return to ancient systems, focusing on self-cultivation within their communities, and the phenomenon of mutual comparison will decrease, leading to an increasing atmosphere of courtesy and humility."
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I was appointed as an attendant to the crown prince and later promoted to the position of Minister of State. At that time, Grand Master Tian and the Minister of State proposed some suggestions, stating that Kong Guang of the Han Dynasty and Xu Gan of the Wei State had both recommended limiting the number of slaves and servants held by individuals below the nobility, as well as prohibiting commoners from buying and selling land and property. The Secretariat approved and agreed, allowing me to draft specific regulations. I submitted another memorial, stating: "The system of the former kings divided the common people into four classes: scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, and did not allow them to change occupations at will. This would allow for the full utilization of human and material resources, enabling everyone to contribute according to their abilities. The 'Zhou Guan' of the Zhou Dynasty stipulated methods for the equitable distribution of land, implementing the well-field system, and clarified the levels and quantities of various tributes to ensure a balanced distribution of public and private property. Since the Qin Dynasty abolished the well-field system and established the commandery and county system, this system has disappeared. By the time of the Han and Wei Dynasties, the old system continued to be followed, and the court strictly enforced laws only concerning the ranks of clothing, vehicles, and utensils to prevent overstepping and disturbing the order of respect and rank. As for slaves and private property, there have never been clear regulations on quantity limits. The edict from eight years ago has already clarified the laws, stipulating that those above the ranks of soldiers and craftsmen cannot violate regulations regarding clothing and items used for transportation. If a county has more than three families violating this within a year, or more than ten families in Luoyang County, the official in charge will be dismissed. According to the will of the edict, the laws are already quite stringent. Now, Tian and He have proposed suggestions and cited the opinions of Kong Guang and Xu Gan, which are all issues stemming from the decadence and extravagance of a declining era, problems that arose at that time. However, these systems were not discussed in the early Han Dynasty, and the suggestions made by Kong Guang and others were not implemented, not due to oversight or delay, but because capable ideas were not adopted. This is because the system of feudal lords has already been abolished, and the well-field system has not been restored, so the court's system cannot restrict the private property of the common people. Since there are no quantity limits on the land and houses of the common people, there should not be a separate limit on the number of slaves and servants, for fear that it would only complicate the laws and make them cumbersome and difficult to enforce. Now that His Majesty is wise and advocates simplification, the laws are already comprehensive, and there is no need to implement Tian and He’s suggestions.
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Later, the Chief Commandant of the Imperial Guard, Shi Jian, reported that the Governor of Yulin, Jie Deng, had misused his authority and requested his recall; the Minister Xun Kai believed that not everyone is eager to serve in remote counties and suggested that Jie Deng be demoted but retained. I once again refuted in my report, saying, "I have heard that legislation does not necessarily have to cover every aspect; the purpose is to regulate social customs and curb immoral conduct. Not every issue requires scrutiny as long as the general direction is correct. In this way, there will be fewer delays in matters and more things will be accomplished. Currently, there are many officials like Jie Deng who have been demoted to remote counties. If he is allowed to be demoted and retained, it will set a precedent, and I am afraid that those mediocre officials will all try to avoid serving in remote areas, inevitably leading to corruption and bribery, which does not effectively address social issues or stabilize the borders. I believe that Shi Jian's report should be adopted, and Jie Deng should be recalled first, so that the system can be followed and to avoid different systems being implemented in different regions." The Emperor agreed with my memorial.
During the Taixi period, he was first transferred to the Ministry of Justice, responsible for refuting some of the reports from the Ministry of Justice, such as cases involving drunkenness in Handan, with few specific details recorded. Later, he was promoted to the position of a Gentleman of the Imperial Secretariat. Whenever he encountered major affairs or controversial issues, he consistently referred to classical texts when making decisions, and many of his suggestions were adopted and implemented.
Afterwards, he was promoted to the position of a Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. He paid special attention to curbing excessive competition and eliminating favoritism and nepotism. Instead, he focused on talented individuals who preferred to remain in seclusion. As a result, many talented individuals were promoted and given important roles. He promoted talented individuals like Tang Xiguo from Beihai, Liu Heng from Langya, Huo Yuan from Yanguo, and Ji Mou from Fengyi to serve as Secretaries or Scholars of the Princes, and as a result, he garnered admiration and respect from people throughout the realm.
At that time, the Zhongzheng official from the State of Yan, Liu Shen, recommended Huo Yuan as a candidate for the position of Han Su, but the Situ Mansion disagreed. Liu Shen insisted on personally recommending Huo Yuan to the Ministry of Personnel, which subsequently referred the matter back to the Situ Mansion for further discussion. Xun Zu, the Left Chief of the Situ Mansion, believed, "Han Su refers to someone who comes from a poor background and does not have a hereditary title. Huo Yuan, being a marquis, wears luxurious official robes and is adorned with a gold seal and purple sash. He had previously engaged in business and only began studying later in life, having switched between various professions before achieving success late in life. He lacks a good reputation among the people and does not display any notable virtues or manners. He should not be regarded as a candidate for Han Su."
Xun Zu submitted again, saying, "In line with the spirit of the 'Guīyǒu Edict', we should promote integrity and frugality, and suppress extravagance and competition. Those who are humble, from humble beginnings, are content with their lot, and focus on self-cultivation should be given priority. Following the edict, using second-tier official positions as a measure may overlook some talents who are honest and modest, so the establishment of modest standards highlights the importance of morality. The Minister of Education is responsible for selecting talents, effectively overseeing the moral education of the country, and should judge strictly according to standards to guide social norms. However, in ancient times, those noble-minded individuals with aspirations often lived in seclusion in the mountains or countryside, practiced self-restraint and rituals, and only received praise in their later years. They remained unknown, stayed true to their principles. It's not the right way to judge a person's talent based on doubts about their consistency due to different professions at a young and old age, thereby denying their unwavering sense of responsibility. One should examine whether they adhere to social ethics and whether they meet the criteria for selecting talents. As an upright official, Liu Shen is personally responsible for selecting talents. He recommended Huo Yuan, who lived in seclusion to pursue his aspirations, dedicated to studying ancient classics not for personal gain or fame. Living in seclusion in the deep mountains, he studied diligently, maintaining a sense of integrity. His character earned him a reputation admired by many high-ranking officials. When Liu Shen initially recommended Huo Yuan, he consulted Huayin, the attendant, and the governor. Three years ago, officials from various states returned to the court for duty reporting. The Governor of Youzhou, Xu Meng, particularly recommended Huo Yuan and suggested that the court recruit him as the Prefect of Xihetai. As stated by Liu Shen, officials from various states and the governor recommended him, yet you said he wasn't well-regarded among the people and had no outstanding performance in morals and etiquette. You've ignored the actual findings without giving valid reasons to deny Liu Shen's recommendation. Moreover, serving as a second-tier official is not Huo Yuan's goal. He only wishes to live in seclusion in the deep mountains, studying Confucian classics, a goal worthy of praise. Holding him back like this would let down the people of Youzhou and harm the court's promotion of moral education. In line with the edict's spirit, he should be appointed as a second-tier official." The emperor finally agreed.
Li Yi and I both served as officials in the Ministry of Officials, and at that time, Wang Rong was the Minister. I was known for my integrity, while Li Yi was also known by his courtesy name Maoyan. Although our styles were different, we both worked in important positions. Wang Rong understood us well, allowing us to utilize our talents and fulfill our roles. There is very little recorded about Li Yi in historical texts. At that time, internal officials held a high status, whereas external officials were of low status, and the hierarchy of official positions was numerous and complex. I once proposed suggestions on this matter, as recorded in the "Records of Officials."
I also wrote to the emperor, stating: "Those who live in seclusion in the mountains and forests and are unwilling to take office, although they go against societal norms and are disconnected from society, their behaviors and ways of life are different from those of ordinary people. However, the previous emperors allowed them to do so because they appreciated their noble integrity. Previously, the late emperor was concerned about the prevailing extravagant social trends and wanted to restore a simple societal style, so he consulted court officials in search of virtuous recluse scholars. During the second year of Xian Ning, the late emperor summoned the An Ding native Huang Fu Mi as a Zhong Shuzi for the crown prince, and four years later summoned the Nan An native Zhu Chong as a Doctor. In the first year of Tai Kang, he summoned Zhu Chong again as a Zhong Shuzi for the crown prince. Although they could not attend due to illness, both court and society were pleased. Your Majesty places even greater value on talent than the late emperor did. I have heard that Zhu Chong, who now resides in a specific location, is nearly eighty years old but still has great ambition, dedicating himself to studying Daoism, becoming more energetic with age, and possessing noble character and integrity. His residence has thus become a place of pure moral atmosphere. He is truly a highly respected recluse, a role model for society and an educator for the people. I believe a decree should be issued without delay to grant him a higher official position before he passes away." Unfortunately, due to the political turmoil during that period, my suggestion was ultimately not adopted.
Later, I was transferred and appointed as the General and Prefect of Pingyang. During my tenure, I advocated for moral education, built schools, led by example, promoted talented individuals, lived a simple life, did not indulge in pleasures, and impeached officials from four counties during my three years in office. After my younger brother's death, I submitted a resignation request.
In the early years of Yongkang, Zhao Wang Lun came to power and appointed me as the Left Grand Marshal. Overwhelmed with worry, I fell ill and eventually passed away at the age of forty-eight. My family was very poor, with a small house and no burial place. The court had to arrange my funeral at the official residence. I was posthumously appointed as a Cavalier Attendant of the Imperial Court, with the posthumous title of "Cheng." My son Shi was highly regarded and reached the rank of Palace Attendant, but passed away in the early years of Xianhe.
Historical records say that Liu Song, at a young age, served as an official and dedicated himself to serving the country. He extensively expounded on the feudal system, deeply grasped the essence of politics, analyzed the criminal law in detail, and examined the political system comprehensively. Although his writing was not elegant, the logic was very incisive. He traveled to Chang'an, believing his ambitions were no less than Jia Yi's; he paid attention to the politics of the Eastern Han Dynasty, thinking he did better than Lang Yi. During the Yuan Kang era, corrupt officials were in power, and everyone in the court was in danger, only concerned with surviving to avoid execution. However, Liu Song remained loyal, upright, and unwavering, mourning the unjust killing of Zhang Gong, rejecting the unjust rewards from Zhao Wang—he was truly a paragon of integrity among ancient officials! As for his disagreement with Liu You due to personal opinions, it only shows his keen discernment of right and wrong and his ability to recommend talents without regard for personal grievances.
As for Li Zhongyan, he understood the principles of reform, refuted the drawbacks of the land system, and his arguments were both practical and insightful. He was also proactive in selecting talents, valuing reclusive scholars. His lofty vision and ambition were genuine!
It is said: Liu Song is known for his integrity and incorruptibility; his sense of justice shines through in his writings. He speaks candidly and advises from the grassroots level; he truly embodies this principle. Li Zhong is refined and noble, with an open heart and selflessness. They promote worthy individuals and combat corruption, and their admirable words have been recorded in history. These two virtuous men are truly exceptional; they are the backbone of the nation!
